Ind. Code » Title 31
Indiana Code

Ind. Code § 31-35-2-7 (2025)

Guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate

✓ 2025 Indiana Code: the 2026 session is not included
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     Sec. 7. (a) If a parent objects to the termination of the parent-child relationship, the court shall appoint:

(1) a guardian ad litem;

(2) a court appointed special advocate; or

(3) both;

for the child.

     (b) If a guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate has been appointed for the child under IC 31-34-10, the court may reappoint the guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate to represent and protect the best interests of the child in the termination proceedings.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-5-4(d).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.18.

 

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 5 cases, 2001–2019 · leading case: In the Matter of the Involuntary Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of Z.B., D.B., L.B., Me.B., Ma.B. (Minor Child.) & A.B. (Mother) v. The Indiana Dep't of Child Servs., 108 N.E.3d 895 (Ind. Ct. App. 2018).
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In the Matter of the Involuntary Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of Z.B., D.B., L.B., Me.B., Ma.B. (Minor Child.) & A.B. (Mother) v. The Indiana Dep't of Child Servs., 108 N.E.3d 895 (Ind. Ct. App. 2018). · cites it 4× “[9] It is clear that a CASA may sign and file a petition to terminate parental rights when a child has been adjudicated a CHINS.”
In re Invol. Term. of Parent-Child Rel., 755 N.E.2d 1090 (Ind. Ct. App. 2001). · cites it 2× “See Ind.Code § 31-35-2-7. Further, Ind. Appellate Rule 17(A) states that "[a] party of record in the trial court or Administrative Agency shall be a party on appeal.”
In the Matter of the Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of A.A.D. & A.C.D. E.B. (Mother) v. The Indiana Dep't of Child Servs. (mem. dec.), No. 79A05-1708-JT-1949 (Ind. Ct. App. Jan. 31, 2018). · cites it 6× “1 The gravamen of her argument is that reversible error occurred when the trial court failed to ensure the appointment of a court-appointed special advocate (“CASA”) to represent the interests of her children in the termination hearing as required by INDIANA CODE § 31-35-2-7.…”
In re the Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of Bai.M. (Minor Child.) & A.M. (Mother) & S.M. (Father) A.M. & S.M. v. Indiana Dep't of Child Servs. (mem. dec.), No. 18A-JT-2089 (Ind. Ct. App. May 8, 2019). · cites it 2× “Indiana Code section 31-35-2-7(a) states that if a parent objects to the termination of the parent-child relationship, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem, a court-appointed special advocate, or both for the child.”
In the Matter of the Involuntary Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of B.M. (Minor Child) & J.M. (Father) v. The Indiana Dep't of Child Servs. (mem. dec.), No. 19A-JT-1870 (Ind. Ct. App. Dec. 19, 2019). “Code § 31-35-2-7 . The child’s GAL is required by statute to “represent and protect the best interest of a child” and to provide the child with services requested by the court, including advocating the child’s situation.”
Ind. Code § 31-35-2-7(a): 2 cases
In the Matter of the Involuntary Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of Z.B., D.B., L.B., Me.B., Ma.B. (Minor Child.) & A.B. (Mother) v. The Indiana Dep't of Child Servs., 108 N.E.3d 895 (Ind. Ct. App. 2018). “[9] It is clear that a CASA may sign and file a petition to terminate parental rights when a child has been adjudicated a CHINS.”
In re the Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of Bai.M. (Minor Child.) & A.M. (Mother) & S.M. (Father) A.M. & S.M. v. Indiana Dep't of Child Servs. (mem. dec.), No. 18A-JT-2089 (Ind. Ct. App. May 8, 2019). “Indiana Code section 31-35-2-7(a) states that if a parent objects to the termination of the parent-child relationship, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem, a court-appointed special advocate, or both for the child.”
Ind. Code § 31-35-2-7(b): 1 case
In the Matter of the Involuntary Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of Z.B., D.B., L.B., Me.B., Ma.B. (Minor Child.) & A.B. (Mother) v. The Indiana Dep't of Child Servs., 108 N.E.3d 895 (Ind. Ct. App. 2018). “[9] It is clear that a CASA may sign and file a petition to terminate parental rights when a child has been adjudicated a CHINS.”
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